Lan Xinghai felt his heart tighten slightly at those words. He hesitated, then spoke cautiously:
"Young friend Lin Ming... could I come along with you? I truly want to see what kind of homeworld could nurture a prodigy like you."
His eyes held a trace of curiosity and a hint of ingratiation. Even his tone carried a note of pleading.
He was secretly calculating that any planet capable of nurturing a prodigy like Lin Ming had to be extraordinary.
Perhaps it even held ancient secrets or some unknown legacy. Going along might bring him a few rewards.
Besides, given how quickly Lin Ming was growing, Blue Star would probably soon become the focus of every major power. There was no harm in going early and making himself known.
Lin Ming considered it, then agreed without fuss. "Sure."
He did not mind having Lan Xinghai along. It was not as though he had any shameful secrets to hide.
Besides, Lan Xinghai was a powerhouse at the sixth layer of tier twelve, a formidable figure even among the stars. He might prove useful on the journey. More importantly, Lan Xinghai had genuinely done his utmost lately, so Lin Ming could hardly refuse him.
Lan Xinghai was overjoyed, his face breaking into a radiant smile. He hurriedly issued his orders:
"Convey my decree! Prepare to depart at once! Mobilize the First Fleet, Third Fleet, and Fifth Fleet. All will accompany us! One Emperor-class Starship, ten King-class Starships, and countless General-class Starships. Make sure we put on a proper display!"
He personally selected his finest fleets to ensure nothing went wrong. He even considered bringing a ceremonial honor guard so the people of Blue Star could witness the grandeur of an interstellar emperor.
After some thought, however, he abandoned the idea. Lin Ming did